User:TheDoctaK/Powermat
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PowerMat (Released in October, 2009) is a form of Battery Charger invented by Israel's Powermat, Ltd.[1] The largest mat currently availiable can charge three devices at a time.
How It Works[edit]
Powermat uses Magnetic Induction to wirelessly charge electronic devices like Mobile Phones and Handheld Video Games. In simpler terms, Powermat works by placing a device through a electromagnetic field, therefore charging the battery of the device. When a device is set on the Powermat, the Mat first establishes a data authentication with the device, known as a "Handshake". After the data is authenticated, the Powermat automatically senses how much charge is required and sends that amount of charge to the device. Once the desired amount of electricity is sent, the Powermat stops the charging process, called auto-termination.[2]
Compatible Devices[edit]
The Powermat is, as of December 18, 2010, compatible with the following devices[3]:
- All iPhone Models
- iPod Touch (2nd and 3rd Generation)
- iPod (All Docking Models)
- HTC Evo 4G
- HTC HD2
- Motorola Droid X
- Nintendo DS Lite
- Nintendo DSi
- Blackberry Tour 9630
- Blackberry Bold (9000, 9650, and 9700 series)
- Blackberry Curve 8300
- Blackberry Curve 8500
- Blackberry Curve 8900
- Blackberry Curve 9300
- Blackberry Pearl
- Other (See Section: Powercube)
Recievers[edit]
The Powermat uses recievers to pick up the electromagnetic charge output by the Mat. Each reciever is special to each device it is compatible with. Without the recievers, the devices cannot pick up the charges and the Powermat is of no use. Recievers vary in price but are, as of December 18, 2010, about 30-40 U.S. Dollars each[3], with BlackBerry recievers tending to be cheaper, typically 10-20 U.S. Dollars[3], the most expensive being 40 dollars.[3]
Powercube[edit]
The Powercube is a newer feature of the Powermat that allows devices that are not normally compatible with the Powermat to be charged, in other words, Powermat does not yet have a reciever for the device. For example, any mobile phone that is not a smartphone and/or is not on the above list is not currently compatible with any recievers currently produced by Powermat, Ltd., therefore the Powercube would be used. The Powercube goes slightly against the principles of the mat, because it includes a cord [4] that connects the phone to the reciever, which is, in turn, connected to the mat.[3] Each Powercube has different "Tips" that can be used to attatch the Cube to multiple phones. The Powercube is sold either with the Powermat as a bundle, or separatly.
Criticism[edit]
Prior to its release, many doubts were raised as to the Powermat's ability to wirelessly charge devices.[5] Currently, the main criticism is its price. [6]The mat itself costs 100 U.S. dollars alone, however recievers must be bought for the devices themselves as well. Normally, this calculates to an extra 120 U.S. dollars, making the total 220 dollars. Average user reviews rate the product at 2.5 stars out of 5, and editor ratings average at about 4 stars out of 5.
References[edit]
- ^ The Future of Things Article: Powermat Charger, 2009
- ^ Buzzle Article: How the Powermat Works, 2010
- ^ a b c d e www.powermat.com, 2010
- ^ PC Mag Article: Powermat Home and Office Review, 2010
- ^ Engadget Article: Powermat Promises Wireless Power for the Masses, Delivers Nothing, 2008
- ^ Amazon Customer Reviews: Powermat Charging Station, 2010
External links[edit]